Help Us Protect Scotland’s Nature
Donate nowNature is there for us when we need it; but it needs our help too.
Last year was incredibly tough in so many ways, but it did give many of us the opportunity to reconnect with nature. From the greenery of our back gardens and local parks to the rugged landscapes of our mountains, nature offers a space for contemplation and relief during the pandemic.
It’s easy to think that nature will always be with us, but it’s disappearing at a rate never seen before. The ever-present effects of climate change, combined with habitat loss and the ongoing effects of the pandemic, mean that the outdoor spaces we love are at risk.
Please, if you can, donate today to help us protect Scotland’s nature.
Nature needs your help today
Donate nowScotland’s wild spaces face many challenges. Did you know…
1 in 9 species in Scotland is at risk of extinction.
Only 10% of Scotland is covered by woodland – far less than the European average of 46%.
From a population high of 3.5 million, there are now only an estimated 120,000 red squirrels left in Scotland.
How we’re conserving Scotland’s nature
Species Recovery at Ben Lawers
Ben Lawers is well known for the arctic-alpine flowers that grow on the mountain slopes throughout the reserve. These are plants that have adapted to growing in harsh conditions and 13 of the species found at Ben Lawers are classed as nationally rare.
One of these plants is the highland saxifrage (Saxifraga rivularis). There was good evidence of a marked decline in the 20th century, from a very small, concentrated population to a single remaining plant by 1989.
We’ve helped propagate and plant new individual plants on the reserve aimed to prevent its loss from Ben Lawers. Annual monitoring now shows an increased number of plants, hopefully, the basis of a viable population able to sustain itself.
Protecting the red squirrel
Feeding on Scotland’s native coniferous trees, Squirrel’s spread seeds, encouraging natural tree regeneration and biodiversity.
However, competition from the non-native grey squirrel and deforestation have seen the red squirrel population crash from 3.5 million to only 120,000 in Scotland.
Working with conservation partners, we’ve reintroduced the red squirrel to the diverse woodlands at Balmacara and Inverewe. Early signs are good – we’re hopeful that the population will continue to increase. We’re managing a number of our woodlands to help protect red squirrels, but this work can only continue with your support.
Sharing our knowledge
St Abb’s Head had a record-breaking seal breeding season in 2020 with 1,806 pups counted! However, these pups are at risk at being deserted by their parents if disturbed by visitors to the reserve.
Ciaran, our ranger at St Abb’s, has spent a busy winter patrolling the beaches and advising walkers and seal spotters on the best ways to see the pups while making sure no one gets to close. He’s even delivered Zoom lectures to local charities and had a star turn on BBC’s landward Sharing our knowledge with visitors is key to protecting our wildlife and we need your help to continue this essential work.
Nature needs your help today
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Your Gift in Action – spring 2024
As a charity, the Trust depends on the generosity of our supporters to safeguard the many cherished places in our care.